Tents

Never store a tent if it is wet. This will cause the fabric to delaminate and
coatings to peal. Damp tents also mildew, which destroys the nylon and smells bad.
If possible,
let your tent dry in the morning before packing it up. Always allow your tent to
dry before your pack it up for storage. When you return home, unroll your
tent, or set it up to make sure that it is completely dry. Sweep out all the
loose dirt and leaves, then sponge off dirt with
a damp cloth before you hang it up to dry.

The sun too will eventually cause a tent to deteriorate. If possible, camp in
the shade to avoid harmful UV rays. You might consider simply leaving your rain
fly on during the day. They are easier to replace after a few seasons of abuse
than the entire tent.

Tent floors can wear out, so use a ground tarp when possible. Thin
polyethylene sheeting from a hardware store is a lightweight, inexpensive option
to go under your tent floor.

Sleeping Bags

When going camping, stuff your sleeping bag into a stuff- sack rather than rolling
it. A good compression stuff-sack will reduce the size by half.
Place a lawn bag inside the stuff-sack before you add the sleeping bag, to
waterproof it.

Down-filled bags are lighter and pack smaller, but they will not provide any insulation
when wet.

The human body gives off a lot of perspiration each night, so air
the bag thoroughly after use.

Store your sleeping bag loose or in a large cotton sack, in a cool, dry place.
Do not keep it in its stuff
sack, as this will lead to long-term damage.

Backpacking Stoves

Carry a maintenance kit and know how to use it. It helps to tote along
the instruction manual, preferably in a zipper-lock plastic bag. Some
brands (like MSR) are easier to fix in the field than others.

If the fuel line can be disassembled, periodically clean it with a rag dipped
in white gas. Use the rag and gas to wipe carbon residue off the burner;
otherwise it may get into the jet.

White gas breaks down gradually while in storage, causing poor stove
performance. Replace months-old gas. Also, if you've stored old white gas or a
dirtier fuel like kerosene in a fuel tank or bottle, rinse it with fresh white
gas.

Liquid-fuel stoves also have a tendency to clog or otherwise go on the fritz.
But with a repair kit and good knowledge of the stove you can fix the stoves in
the field. Here's how to troubleshoot the most common problems:

Weak or non-existent flame: Usually this is due to a clogged jet. Some
newer stoves have a built-in wire for cleaning the jet. Otherwise, poke carbon
residue out of the jet with a wire. If that doesn't work, unscrew and remove the
jet, soak it in white gas, and wipe it clean.

Leaky pump: Try to lube the rubber O-ring with maintenance-kit oil or
saliva. If that fails, replace the O-ring.

Fuel bottle won't pressurize: Same remedy as for a leaky pump.

Eyebrow-singeing flare-ups: Probably the result of over-priming. Prime
just enough to squirt fuel from the jet for about three seconds. Turn the stove
off and light that fuel, then wait until the fuel nearly burns away and the
yellow flame is barely lapping the burner before slowly turning up the gas. You
can also let the flame burn out completely, then open the fuel valve slightly
and hold a match to the burner.

Lanterns

If lantern dims or gives unsteady light, it may need to be pumped, it may be
low on fuel.

If lantern flames or catches on fire when starting, extinguish lamp and try
again. If fire is Minimal and not out of control, let it burn. It will finish
preheating lamp so it can be turned on.

The mantle is fragile and will break. Don't touch, bump the lamp or pump it violently.

Replace broken mantle when a slit or hole develops. (A broken mantle can
cause glass to crack or break.)

If fuel is dirty, filter it through a chamois or fine clothe. Check for air
or fuel leaks by pumping up lamp without lighting it.

Work petroleum jelly into leather pump cup to soften it up so pump works
well.

Top of lantern gets extremely hot - don't touch glass or splash water on
glass.

When hanging lantern, don't place it too close to the ceiling. Remove nearby
flammable items.

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